Atiku Abubakar Declares For Presidency In Abuja Today

Former vice president Atiku Abubakar will today formally declare his presidential ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former vice president’s declaration is, however, coming against the backdrop of his bid being endorsed by a South-west caucus of the APC.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his media office in Abuja, the former vice president said he would make his formal declaration at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, by10.00 a.m.

According to the statement, “the activities marking the declaration would be a largely youth-focused event to emphasise Atiku’s passion for the challenges facing young men and women in the country.”

“Youth economic empowerment is one of Atiku’s cardinal objectives because he regards them as the fulcrum around which the development and future of Nigeria revolve,” the statement noted.

Meanwhile, a caucus of the APC in the South-west zone has endorsed Atiku Abubakar as the presidential candidate of the party in the 2015 presidential election.

The caucus, known as the Atiku Abubakar Collectives, made the announcement of its endorsement of the former vice-president at an interactive session with Atiku, yesterday.

The group, which members were drawn from the six states of the South-west and Kogi State, and led by Chief Bode Ajewole, said its endorsement of Atiku was predicated on the former vice president being the most experienced among all the likely contenders for the ticket of the party.

 “At such a time like this, we need a strong leadership, a bridge-builder; someone who understands the intricate nature of our geo-politics and strengthens the bonds of our unity as a people, who share a common hope in a Nigeria for all Nigerians.”

Responding to the endorsement of Atiku, Director General of Atiku Abubakar Campaign, Professor Babalola Borishade, said that it was important for supporters of Atiku to engage everyone within the APC and mobilise support for Atiku to emerge as the flag-bearer of the party.